suewhistle

Was that auto-correct on your iphone?

So they don't really enjoy the game itself then? There's always an excuse from you, isn't there? Always somebody fault that things aren't exactly how you'd like them. When I moved abroad I didn't play for well over a year due to bureaucratic difficulties, and then I didn't play much because I am, quite frankly, not very good and the team were playing in a higher division. But I still trained twice a week and more in pre-season because I love football and didn't get much chance when I was younger. Gradually I got better, the team got worse and I ended up with more playing time, and last season played 90 minutes in the majority of games. I've moved back and found a new team. Probably won't play as much, but I go along, accept the manager's decision, play where he wants me to and do it all with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. A word I would never associate with you.

Some European leagues have a reasonable winter break over Christmas/January, possibly as long as 4/5 weeks anyway (paging MLG, MLG?), so they'd find it easier to cope with.

Ooohh, :-(. Actually, it's not the typing that I'd imagine being the problem, or the drug-induced creative process, but finding just the right picture, re-sizing and all that crap. Eeehhhh, luv the Stevie Gerrard pics.

Ah, I see norwaysaint has expressed it even better. "Condescending nuggets" - I like that; expresses the situation very well and is part of the bullying I was talking about. Anyway, Saturday night, blues dowt the local pub.. see you at St Mary's tomorrow..

I apologise Kraken, I didn't realise you were so sensitive, but I'm a bit ****ed off by this board that seem to think that MLG is always fair game. There _is_ bullying on this board and I recognise it here just as I do in the wider world. The point is, the player was asked a direct question and tried to answer in a positive way. MLG tried to point this out and you basically said the player should be more media savvy and give some bland pointless answer. Hence my response. As for Bearsy, he treads a fine line between me buying him a pint or pouring it all over him. Funnily enough I'm a really laid back sort of person, but I've got to the age where I don't put up with crap any more, and I'm financially independent enough not to put up with crap from bosses. A great place to be!:-)

Give it a f***ing rest Kraken, and stop bullying MLG. What do you expect the guy to say to such a direct question, or do you think the player should spend all next week in the classroom learning how to handle the media? If a player gave an anodyne answer such as you suggest I can't help thinking you'd be complaining about that too.

In fairness they were probably aiming at you... :-)

I'm a bit worried 'bout what goes on in your head Bearsy.. But I'll get a couple of quid on before your hot tip impacts the market!:-)

The journalist was John Steinberg, by the way. Seems to have his finger on the pulse.

In The Guardian article 10 things to look out for at the weekend I think the section on Saints is a pretty fair comment: Southampton performing at home Sam Allardyce's West Ham are precisely the sort of side that Southampton dislike playing against. Although West Ham will be missing Andy Carroll, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing – laugh it up, Liverpool – at St Mary's, they are likely to be tough, resilient and all too willing to ensure there is nothing particularly super about this Sunday. Under both Nigel Adkins and Mauricio Pochettino Southampton have found it difficult to break down sides who are happy to leave the south coast with a 0-0 draw, partly because they can lack natural width, while their defence's habit of conceding sloppy goals in matches that they are controlling is one they need to eradicate. JS

I bet my neighbours are wondering what was the mad cackle from next door over breakfast?! What it must be like on Trouser's morning commuter train gawd only knows! Jeez, talk about deluded. Ok, players, next time don't accept the compromise agreement and you'll get all the parachute payments in a timely manner, not over 4 years... "Now on the way up"? Yep, chasing AFC Wimbledon. Envy?! Ha.. Still, it's good to get some air deep into your lungs of a morning.

Confidence is often rewarded on here! Weekend coming up, a match day, meetings in pubs, loose tongues, bush telegraph working overtime, pieces of the jigsaw put together, no names no pack drill, and the sight of chortling and giggling (that'd be me) Saints fans all over the place. I'm looking forward to the weekend!

Are you just referring to what tends to happen on this thread or do you have a specific scandal in mind?;-)

Did you also notice that he concentrated his attention on the better passer of the two centre backs so that their balls forward weren't as good?

Not sure if this has been posted, but saw this fair summary in The Guardian: Lambert starved of service The Southampton striker had to endure what seemed like endless patronising ahead of the biggest night of his professional life. Yet the truth was this was a move up for the 31-year-old whose England career had got off to a flyer with two goals in his opening two games. By the close Lambert could walk off having returned a display that hardly sparkled but did not disappoint, making the most of a contest in which he was given scant opportunity to add to his international goal tally. He provided a reliable target in the lone front-man role as the ball generally stuck to him whenever aimed his way, and he offered further evidence of the football brain that is required for this level. An illustration of this came when he hooked an astute round-the-corner pass into Theo Walcott that had the Arsenal wide man in on goal.

Might change if Ricky scores tonight! I've no idea how sales go in the 5 days before a match though, but I'd expect them to be reasonable . But the way the economy is going [recovery my ar.se] saving £30+ on tickets and transport and watching down the pub will hold attraction to many. Looks like such considerations are impacting the WH fans too, and they've always bought a good crowd when I've been there.

Does that mean you won't have internet access?

Was that Taiwan? I'm sure you've got others..

Hasn't he ever played in Wales?

They have, but nobody will hold it against you.:-) Anyway, down the local (Portsmouth) pub tomorrow for this, or maybe the social club which does a lovely pint of Summer Lightening and where I made such a scene of myself during the Scotland friendly...:-)

There's always the John Westwood option...

Chocolate! Great chocolate! Some interesting boutique fashion shops and excellent beer, although they serve the local draught far too fizzy and cold and it was better when served as a real ale in Wetherspoons once! There was a beer festival when I was visiting, but as I was ill I couldn't partake.. looked interesting though. Can't help on the red-light district, and have no money for diamonds, but it's got an interesting central station:

If you like Amarone you might also like Masi's Campo Fiorin, available in Majestic.

Did they cover their costs last night - coaches, overtime for physio, ambulance etc. or was it like local football where you all turn up to away matches piled into players' cars?